Mahmood Madani: Religious Leader/ Community Leader

Maulana Mahmood Madani is a prominent Indian Islamic scholar, politician social activist and head of of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH-M) one of the oldest and most influential Islamic organizations in India. Born in 1964 in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, into a family deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship, he is the grandson of Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani, a revered freedom fighter and theologian.

Mahmood Madani received his early Islamic education at Darul Uloom Deoband, one of the world’s leading Islamic seminaries. A dynamic leader, he has been at the forefront of advocating for Muslim rights, national unity, and communal harmony in India. Under his leadership, JUH has played a critical role in addressing socio-political challenges faced by the Indian Muslim community, including issues of education, economic upliftment, and safeguarding constitutional rights.

Madani is known for his firm stance against terrorism and his efforts to de-link Islam from acts of violence. He has repeatedly condemned extremism and worked to foster interfaith dialogue and mutual respect among religious communities. His advocacy for secularism and pluralism resonates in his speeches, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence in a diverse nation like India.

A pragmatic leader, Mahmood Madani has also been active in legal battles to protect the rights and heritage of the Muslim community, including cases related to Waqf properties and masjids. He has initiated programs for skill development, education, and disaster relief, reflecting his commitment to social welfare.